The first Japanese-American series! O’Hara is the first Japanese-American series. In the 80s of the last century there were hundreds of similar detective series, and they were all like two drops of water. The plot of one series was repeated one by one in another. The only thing that was different in these series is the name of the main character. But O’Hara gave America a new idea: to use Japanese culture and theirs in their projects. The idea was very new and so the series "O'Hara" was not popular. But the series gave the idea for other projects, which made O’Hare history.
A little bit about the show itself. The first season was released on January 17, 1987, followed by the second season of the series, which was mostly in 1988. As in all series, the series ran for less than an hour. Directed by Roger Young, produced by Robert McCullough and Roderick Taylor, and composer Bill Conti. I appreciated their work and made a decent movie. Screenwriters in the series was ten, among which all the same Roderick Taylor and himself Pat Morita (the main role of the "eternal" Lieutenant O'Hara). Among the actors, I want to name such names as: Pat Morita (as Lt. O'Hara has already mentioned), Robert Clohessy (Lt. George Shaver), Kevin Sonroy (Captain Hamilton), John Polito (Captain Ross), Madge Sinclair (Jesse Lemmons), Catherine Keener (Lt. Sideris), Richard Yuniguez (Detective Guerera), Rachel Ticotin (Teresa Storm), Brandon Lee (Kandji is the best villain in the series), Julie Condra (model), Peter Brown (Model), and Joey (Man). It is this cast that will delight us throughout the series.
Unfortunately, this series never came out on VHS, much less on DVD. It was only shown on American television once. I have only watched seven episodes of this wonderful series (unfortunately, I have not found more). The plot is very simple. Older but legendary Lieutenant O'Hara is tired. Despite his vast experience, his strength is not enough to solve serious cases. Fortunately, a young and energetic man is sent to his partner - George Shaver. Together they will solve any problem. I almost forgot, O'Hara is Japanese, and there's a lot of racism in America. The duet of the main actors is wonderful, when you watch the series, you get pleasure. How exactly they combine experience and ambition. Bravo!
There are 30 episodes in the series. I saw 7, 3 of them were boring, and the other four I remember for a long time. Most of all, I remember the series. “What’s in a Name” This is the twelfth episode of the second season, which I watched the very first. Not because I was fascinated by the plot, but because Brandon Lee was a genius here, which was his first and last big villain role. He plays the son of a yakuza who likes to touch models in the most indecent way. The role of a diamond, the play is the pinnacle of acting. This role will remain the hallmark of O’Hara for me. But without Brandon, the series looks good. By the way, in one episode, Benicio Del Toro played in a small episode. He appeared as a passer-by, the role lasted twenty seconds, but I remembered him. It is not customary to see such an actor in such a role. But in '87 he was just beginning and was not yet popular.
Surprisingly, the series was not a success. It looks good even now. It's a pity, but I think the Americans just weren't ready to see the Japanese in the lead. Personally, I liked it. Consequently, O’Hara is an interesting series that is now almost impossible to obtain. I saw 7 episodes and I was very lucky. I suggest you watch at least the series. What’s in your name, you won’t regret it. Brandon Lee was a genius, it is a pity that he is not with us now.
"Eternal memory to you, Brandon!"
10 out of 10